Weddings are full of superstitions. But do you know where these superstitions came from? Below, we take a look at three of the most common wedding superstitions.
The Bride and Groom Can’t See Each Other Before The Wedding
This is one of the most common wedding superstitions and one that many couples still practice today. It is said that it is bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding ceremony but the actual tradition came about through traditional arranged marriages. In the days when marriages were more about business and social standing than love, it was thought that if the bride and groom saw each other before the wedding it could put the wedding at risk. This is because if one of them really didn’t like the look of the other, they may refuse to get married or even run away. By keeping the bride and groom separate therefore helped to prevent this potential situation occurring. The modern idea of not seeing each other before the wedding being bad luck harks back to this as seeing each other before the wedding historically meant someone being left at the altar!
The Bridal Veil
Bridal veils aren’t as common as they used to be but many brides still love to wear them as the moment when the bride’s veil is lifted in the wedding and the couple get to share their first kiss can be a really special moment and one that the bride, groom and guests will remember forever. The tradition has two different roots.
Firstly, back in Ancient Greece, brides would wear a veil to protect them from evil spirits and this tradition was carried on by the Romans and it became integrated into European society. However, it was also traditionally used for another reason. As we mentioned earlier about arranged marriages, it was thought important that the bride and groom should not see each other before the ceremony to prevent anyone having second thoughts which is why the bride’s face is disguised by a veil. Many people point to a religious element too, with the bridal veil representing modesty and purity.
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue
This is a tradition that originated in the UK and is sentimental and sweet and is all about giving the bride good luck in her new marriage.
Something old – This is usually a trinket or some other token that is given to the bride by her loved ones and represents the bride’s recognition of her family and her past.
Something new – This represents here entering into her new marriage with optimism, good luck and confidence.
Something borrowed – This traditionally was an item loaned by a family member who is happily married to ensure that some of this luck passes on to the new bride.
Something blue – Traditionally in the Bible, blue represent purity which is why brides are encouraged to wear something of this colour.